ISPAD-Breakthrough T1D Research Fellowship

ISPAD-Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) Research Fellowship 2026 (USD 25,000 - 40,000)

This grant is for ISPAD members below the age of 40 (or within 7 years of completing terminal research degree/training) who wish to pursue a career in diabetes related research. It will cover between USD 25,000 and USD 40,000 in research related expenses. The applicant needs to submit a scientific project which can be - at least partially - accomplished in the given time frame.

In partnership with Breakthrough T1D, we have increased the funding for this competitive fellowship from USD 25,000 and up to 40,000 USD. Annually, 4-6 fellows will be chosen to receive this competitive award. The recipients will give credit to Breakthrough T1D & ISPAD on any publication arising from any work done during the fellowship and will be expected to submit a report of fellowship research to ISPAD.

Expected project start: June 2026 - June 2027. Fellowships can be undertaken in their own institution without the need to travel. Please adhere to this timeframe as much as possible. Graduates from ISPAD endorsed training programs may have extended eligibility at the discretion of the Secretariat.

NOTE: One to two fellowships will be awarded to the most outstanding research presentations from the ISPAD Science School for Physicians and the ISPAD Science School for Healthcare Professionals (one to two winners per edition of each School). The total fellowship budget for each School will be defined for each edition and may be allocated to one or two awardees. The funding amount awarded through the ISPAD Science School selection process may differ from the amount allocated through the standard ISPAD–Breakthrough T1D Research Fellowship application process. Applicants to the Science School who also wish to apply for the ISPAD–Breakthrough T1D Research Fellowship must submit a separate application by the official deadline to be considered for any remaining fellowship positions.

How to apply for the ISPAD-Breakthrough T1D Research Fellowship?

The documents required to apply for the ISPAD-Breakthrough T1D Fellowship are as follows:

From the applicant:

Applicant’s CV

Proof of ISPAD membership

Completed form with:

Description of significance of previous research contributions and career aspirations and rationale for decision to pursue a research experience at the proposed host institution and in associations with the proposed supervisor (Maximum 2 pages).
Research Proposal (maximum 4 pages) including a paragraph describing the benefits of study results for people with diabetes mellitus.

From the Host Institution/Supervisor:

Official letter from the host institution (travel to other institution is allowed but not required)

Personal letter from the applicant’s supervisor to support the development of applicant’s research

Supervisor’s mini-CV/NIH biosketch

Applications are now open!

- Please complete the form here to submit your application.
- Send us the completed form along with the above documents to the ISPAD Secretariat at [email protected]
- Deadline: May 15th, 2026.

Apply here before May 15th, 2026!

Any questions? Contact the ISPAD Secretariat at [email protected]